5 Big Struggles Of Being A Vegetarian Traveller Last Updated: May 17, 2021
Having food restrictions is not always easy while traveling. As a vegetarian, I often find myself lost and helpless on my trips when I can’t figure out what to eat due to a lack of vegetarian food options. Sometimes I have survived on appetizers or side dishes or I have carried my food or I have gone hungry! I am sure I am not the only one who has experienced this!
Let’s talk about the struggles we face as vegetarian travelers, shall we?
1. You Don’t Find Enough Vegetarian Food Options
Have you ever gone to a restaurant/cafe in a country and realized there are only 2 out of 10 vegetarian items to order? Basically, the only edible things for you to eat? If yes, then join the tribe! I don’t mean to sound negative but isn’t it frustrating to not satisfy your taste buds to the fullest?
2. You Carry Extra Food So You Don’t Have To Go Hungry
Carrying extra food for ‘backup’ on trips has become a habit now. After traveling extensively in the last five years, I have had my fair share of problems while finding the right food to eat. I usually carry quick meals like Knorr soup, Maggi Cup Noodles, or some homemade Indian food that can last up to 15 days or more.
3. You Double Check The Ingredients With The Waiter
While I was living in Spain, there were some instances when I had friends order and share food while I filled my stomach with side dishes or appetizers. Spain is a country known for Jamon (Spanish for ham) and seafood.
This is why I ensured double-checking my order with the waiter every single time I ordered something at a restaurant. Some countries consider fish as a vegetarian so it is always good to confirm the ingredients with the waiter. Agree?
4. You Find Dishes From Your Home Country In A New Destination
I am speaking on behalf of Indian vegetarians who I know of. We are so used to loving our cuisine that we crave it when we are abroad, especially when there is a lack of vegetarian food options. Although I prefer trying the local cuisine as much as possible, I have given in to my cravings and stuck to Indian food a few times. Mostly when I am traveling with my parents.
5. You Prefer To Buy Groceries And Cook Instead Of Eating Out
As a budget traveler, buying groceries to cook on your own is ideal. This is done by choice but sometimes, you don’t have an option. For example, I visited Ibiza in the off-season and most of the restaurants were shut.
The ones that were open served seafood or meat. This is when I decided to buy some pasta and cook back at the hotel where I was staying. It was a lot more fulfilling to cook and eat what I like rather than eating something just for the sake of satisfying my hunger.
Being a vegetarian gets tough but never have I found the need to break loose and try meat. It doesn’t matter if you are a vegetarian by choice or due to religious reasons, what matters is that you’re trying your best to be true to yourself by refraining from what you don’t believe in.
What are your thoughts on this? Do you resonate with me? Tell me in the comments below!
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